American College of Surgeons Successful Level III Trauma Program Verification Survey
(first in California) (2009)
The designation of trauma facilities is a geopolitical process by which empowered entities, government or otherwise, are authorized to designate. The ACS does not designate trauma centers; instead, it verifies the presence of the resources listed in Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient. This is a voluntary process and only those trauma centers that have successfully completed a verification visit are listed.

Marin General Hospital is a Level III Trauma Center. The Emergency Department is a place where quality medical care and patient satisfaction are our primary mission. We treat patients 24-hours-a-day, seven-days a-week. A team of board certified emergency physicians, experienced emergency nurses, and other specially trained staff are available at all times.

What happens when I arrive?

Upon arriving in the Emergency Department, you will be seen by a nurse. This nurse will ask the reason for your visit and take a brief medical history and conduct an exam. This will help us treat you and determine the severity of your condition.

You will then be directed to the registration clerk so that we may obtain the information needed for an Emergency Department record, including consent for treatment. As soon as an exam room is available, you will be brought into the Emergency Department. You may be asked to remain in the waiting area until a treatment room is free.

Some patients may have x-rays ordered in the waiting room to accelerate their care. If your condition should change while you are waiting, please notify a nurse or the registration clerk.

How soon will I be treated?

Patients are usually seen according to the seriousness of their medical condition. Critically ill patients are always seen first. Generally, other patients are seen in order of arrival. Patients waiting in the waiting area are not the only patients in the Emergency Department. Some patients are brought in by ambulance and come in a separate entrance, and patients in the waiting area are not aware of their arrival.

Our Emergency Express Treatment helps those with minor medical needs - non-life threatening conditions such as earaches, coughs, and sprains. Our goal is to send you home in one hour. This service is available 7 days a week from 10:30a.m. - 8:30p.m.

Once you are taken into an exam room, you will be seen by an emergency physician. It may be necessary to obtain blood tests, x-rays or other types of medical tests. Blood test results usually take about an hour.

X-ray results will be reviewed by the emergency physician during your visit. The emergency physician may not see you immediately upon returning from x-ray if he/she is waiting for your other test results or attending to other patients.

Every effort is made to provide prompt care. Patients with problems not requiring tests are usually discharged shortly after seeing a physician. A medical evaluation for conditions requiring tests, x-rays and/or specialized treatment generally takes one to two hours after you are seen by a physician.

If at any time you are unsure of what is going to happen next, or are concerned about delays, please ask your nurse or doctor.

Patients with stomach complaints or those who may need surgery should not eat or drink anything while waiting. If you have a question regarding your ability to eat or drink, please ask your doctor or nurse.

How will I know what to do when I leave?

You will be given instructions prior to leaving the Emergency Department. It is very important that you understand and follow these directions. If you do not understand any of the directions, please ask. If questions arise once you get home, please call the Emergency Department at (415) 925-7200.

May I use my cellular phone at MGH?

The use of cellular phones within the hospital may interfere with our technical equipment. For the safety of our patients, please refrain from using them. You may use the telephones available in each room or the pay phones in the hallway outside the waiting room.

What about visitors?

At times, we must limit traffic in and out of the department to provide efficient quality care, privacy and safety for our patients. Patients may be limited to one visitor at the bedside or both parents, if the patient is a child. Please stay in the room at the patient's bedside.

Depending on current activities in the Emergency Department, it may or may not be appropriate for children to visit. Please ensure adult supervision of children at all times.

We know that no one wants to be a patient in the Emergency Department and that patients and their families may be upset and frightened by their illness or injury. Our staff is dedicated to providing quality medical treatment in a caring environment. We realize that your time is valuable and we will do our best to make sure your stay is as brief as possible.